A Word from Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,It was a true privilege to be in the room as Mollie O’Brien sang on our February 25 show. I think we all knew before she got here that Mollie is among the best singers of our generation. But, as is so often the case when in the live presence of the Greats, Mollie’s performance was transcendent. That’s what happens when one moves from watching and listening to artists in two-dimensional formats into the full-life experience of actual three-dimensional, in-person performances. There is simply no way for a camera or a recording to fully capture the true magic of the ineffable sound that emanated from Mollie O’Brien that night. You had to be there.As always, I’m personally grateful for the loyalty of our RHR community. We take your faith and trust in us very seriously. I realize that most people come to the show with the expectation that RHR will put great musicians on stage, even if you haven’t heard of them. For every high-profile legend like Ramblin’ Jack Elliot or Tom Paxton that we bring to Jamestown, a less well-known act like Aaron Lipp or Folkfaces joins us. Believe me when I tell you that we vet musicians very carefully, and I think our regular audience appreciates that. I think that’s why RHR has become a monthly night out for so many people.I am very happy that March will be one of those months that we put two acts onstage who have been around the folk scene for a while and have cemented solid reputations. Rachael Kilgour may be someone about whom you will be able to say, “I saw her when…” because I think consensus is that, as well-respected as she is around the singer-songwriter scene, she still has a ways to go. Her songwriting is really something. As for Mustard’s Retreat, their erstwhile leader, David Tamulevich, and I have been talking about them making the trip from Michigan for some time. We finally made it happen. David is also the head of Tamulevich Artist Management and he has been a real supporter of RHR for years. I need to mention that fans of Mustard’s Retreat from Michigan have already bought their tickets and are making the trip to see their heroes in Jamestown. You should too!Coming up on Monday, April 15: Don DixonandJakob’s Ferry Stragglers. Hosted by Todd Burge.For the On-The-Road with Rolling Hills Tour this summer The Farmer and Adele appear with Christine Lavin on the Chautauqua Amphitheater stage! 2:00pm. Put Sunday afternoon, August 4 on your calendar right now. Get up. Right now! Do it.And of course, RHR makes its annual trip to the Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Saturday, July 6. An annual destination for us and thousands more!Yer Friend,Ken P.S. I am happy to report that we were able to convince Mollie to go into Lost Recording Studio the day after the show and put down a track for my upcoming album. I may have forgotten to tell you about that. I’m working on an album that has a target date of a December release. I’d tell you more about it, but that would ruin my man-of-mystery image.

As always, tickets are available online at rollinghillsradio.org/tickets, calling/texting, for a return call, our Rolling Ticket Hotline at 716-294-0416, or at the door the night of the events.

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Tri-County Arts Council.

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

You have heard us refer to the “community of the Rolling Hills audience.” This picture (photo courtesy of Gary Lester) might this picture will give you a little idea of what we are talking about.

OK, it’s just a bunch of goofy RHR men who Christine Lavin got onstage to strut their simpatico stuff. They are “sensitive New Age guys.” They will hold your purse while you try on clothes. At least that’s Christine’s story.

A couple of days after the show she sent me this message to share with all of you:

“Thanks so much for being there last night at Ken Hardley’s Rolling Hills Radio — what a fun, fun night — and thanks for asking for the liner notes of my latest album.

Remember to add “psychic powers” to your resume if you got the “Apple In Paris” answer, or “psycho powers” if you didn’t. And for you dudes, please add, “Back-up singer/back-up dancer/back-up finger-snapper” to your resume, too. When I come back later in the summer to play at Chautauqua, please come and be part of the show, now that you are experienced. And be sure to bring other dudes with you so they can experience show biz in a very unclose and personal way.”

2019 has a trajectory that will maintain its direction and qi for every show up through the end of the 19-20 season, which finishes with a bang at Chautauqua Amphitheater Sunday, August 4. The Farmer and Adele as well as Christine – that can’t be anything but astounding entertainment.

It occurs to me that there have been a lot of Woody Guthrie songs on the show this season (all played by me but let me go on.) There’s no doubt that what we do in this genre would be quite different if not for this man. He represents the best of America, not only his music, but all that he stood for. Since his death, there may have been no more important time in this great country to hear his message, to let his music move you, to have it influence you, than right now. Whatever your persuasion and beliefs, it’s hard to let his words and tunes go by without having your eyes and heart open, even if just a bit.

See you Monday! Getting Mollie O’Brien to Jamestown was kind of a coup. Then with Aaron Lipp and Rich Moore, expect some guitar fireworks from these two virtuosos. This is one that you definitely do not want to miss.

As always, tickets are available online at rollinghillsradio.org/tickets, calling/texting, for a return call, our Rolling Ticket Hotline at 716-294-0416, or at the door the night of the events.

This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by Tri-County Arts Council.

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

I don’t quite know what to say after the Bryan Bowers Band brought down the house last month. It was a show of extraordinary musicianship, impeccable vocals, pathos, good humor, and the sheer force of Bryan’s presence. I talked to his agent yesterday and he told me Bryan had a great time and loves Jamestown, Rolling Hills, as well as his hosts, Mike and Pat Flaxman. Mike said the band plus their co-traveler, Rolland Clark, the fiddler from Geoff Goodhue’s “Beg, Steal, or Borrow” band, essentially played a living room concert for them after the show as well as again the next morning. Mike said, “Our house felt empty when they departed, but I could still hear the music for hours afterwards.” Hats off to all the dedicated volunteers who host the out-of-town musicians. They tell me meeting and getting to know the artists in their homes is something they enjoy tremendously.

OK, I do know what to say about last month’s show. If you loved that show, you’ll love the February 11 show. February 11 we will pick up where we left off. Christine Lavin’s reputation speaks for itself. But, I urge you to watch her on youtube. I do it a lot now; it has become part of my day lately. She is hilarious, but also very touching. I am a fan and cannot wait to meet her.

I met Jen Sygit last summer when we were both instructors at “Over the Bridge”, the songwriting workshop put together annually by John Latini, Jamie-Sue Seal, and Siusan O’Rourke (all RHR guests over the years.) Being on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is, alone, an experience that will make your summer complete. But adding in friends like Latini and meeting Jen made it a once-in-a-lifetime event for me. The first verse of the first song I heard Jen play won me over. This woman has the right stuff. She is hugely popular in the upper Midwest. I did some fancy talking and got her to come to Jamestown in the middle of winter. You can thank me later.

We have great people coming over the next three months, but I have to let you know that you owe it to yourself to see Mollie O’Brien February 25. Another Prairie Companion regular? Yep.

We recently added a feature which is available only to people who attend the live show. Instead of encores now, we have each artist do a “mini-concert” after the actual recorded show. These “concerts” have contained two to four songs per artist. We tried this a couple of times now and it instantly became an in-demand portion of the live show. Several people have told me it’s the highest point of the evening now. It occurs to me that may be because I have left the stage, but if that’s the case, feel free not to tell me.

See you at Shawbucks!

Yer Friend,

Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

Say a fond farewell to 2018 with Rolling Hills Radio! Throughout the year we had legends: Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot. We have had some of the most beloved stars in the genre: Robin and Linda Williams, Hayes Carll. We had Irish: The Town Pants. We had old timey: Urban Pioneers. We had highly talented songwriters: Joe Crookston, Nick Vandenberg, RJ Cowdery, Cosy Sheridan, Martin Swinger, Jill Jack. We had instrumental virtuousos, Geoff Goodhue, Da Vines. We had old friends: Todd Burge, John Latini.

On Sunday, December 30, we wave goodbye to the year with a sensitive songwriter, our good friend, Maria Gillard, as well as one of the most high-energy group of crazy young artists you’ll ever meet, Folkfaces. Thee Man of Folkfaces is someone you’ll recognize. Tyler Westcott was on the show solo some years back. I saw him at the Great Blue Heron last summer and was floored (not an easy thing to do with this jaded ol’ musical traveller) by his group of enthusiastic old timey buddies. So, we figured it out, Tyler and I, and here we are – ready to blow the roof off Shawbucks. This band is an outstanding example of something we’ve been seeing more of the past few years – young musicians dedicating themselves to this genre. When RHR started in 2010, I remember looking under rocks for younger people to be on the show, with only intermittent success. Now, the fresh talent is streaming in, and I’m proud to have this young crew on our stage. You are really going to love them – I’m giving the Ol’ Otto’s guarantee on this one. As for Maria, there’s nothing like old friends. RHR has such a strong connection with the region of New York State east of our place of origin. Maria is a fixture in that area and it’s truly a warm feeling to have her back.

I met with Neil Justin, entertainment reporter of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, recently. Neil attended the show, and I’m happy to say he had very complementary things to say and, as a matter of fact, not only has several recommendations as to who might be on the show in the future, but plans to “spread the word about the show” and “use you as a source.” It was a pleasure to meet a man who covers the entertainment beat in the city of Garrison Keillor and Bob Dylan. He had great stories about Minnesota artists and, if you catch me at the right time, I might tell you some.

Don’t forget, RHR tickets are PERFECT holiday gifts. Imagine finding a few nights out on the town under the tree. Experiences, not stuff, make wonderful gifts. I forget where I heard that, but I wrote it down and sent to it everyone who buys for me. Because I have enough “stuff”, but I can never have too many experiences.

Don’t forget to include RHR in your New Year celebration plans. We will record the show Sunday, December 30 at Shawbucks – the regular time and place. It won’t be as hectic as December 31 and you’ll get home earlier. A win win. Folkfaces and Maria Gillard to start a wonderful 2019. Do it!

As always, tickets are available online at rollinghillsradio.org/tickets, calling/texting, for a return call, our Rolling Ticket Hotline at 716-294-0416, or at the door the night of the events

DEAR ROLLING HILLS READERS,

One of the many things that makes Rolling Hills Radio so gratifying to me is the artists we are able to introduce to our live audience in Jamestown. The show we had last week brought Jill Jack and Martin Swinger to town and it looks like we made two new buddies. Jill was so taken by the city, she wrote a song called “Jamestown Town” the day before the show and debuted it on RHR. Martin captured the room with his wildly funny and beautiful songs. Well, we are going to do it again on Monday, December 3. Cosy Sheridan is someone who personifies the extremely talented artist whose dedication to her craft has been unwavering for decades. You have my personal guarantee that she will own the room in short order. As for the DaVines, they are the kind of musicians we have been proud to present since the very outset of the show in 2010 – tremendously talented guys from our Rochester connection. Thanks to Rick Simpson, radio personality and manager, late of Gumbo Variations, WRUR for making sure this connection stays alive.

Another reason to attend the December 3rd show is the one-time only return of RHR’s longtime announcer, Jason Sample of WRFA.

Also, Neil Justin is coming to town! He is an entertainment reporter for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Neil and I made a time to hang out, talk about Rolling Hills, Garrison Keillor’s new enterprise, the state of entertainment, and life in general. Neil is coming to Jamestown to cover the Comedy Center and timed the trip so he could catch RHR on December 3.

Don’t forget, RHR tickets are PERFECT Christmas gifts. Experiences, not stuff, make wonderful gifts. I forget where I heard that, but I wrote it down and sent to it everyone who buys for me. Because I have enough “stuff”, but I can never have too many experiences.

Also don’t forget to include RHR in your New Year celebration plans. We will record the show Sunday, December 30 at Shawbucks – the regular time and place. It won’t be as hectic as December 31 and you’ll get home earlier. A win win. Folkfaces and Maria Gillard to start a wonderful 2019. Do it!

As always, tickets are available online, rollinghillsradio.org/tickets by calling/texting for a return call, our Rolling Ticket Hotline at 716-294-0416, or at the door the night of the event.

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

I just wanted to send out a little reminder that Rolling Hills Radio has stepped up our schedule this season to include more shows in the winter. We start out in a week, Monday November 19, with Jill Jack from Detroit and Martin Swinger coming in from Maine.

I was happy to hear from Neil Justin this past week. He is an entertainment reporter for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, and is coming to Jamestown to cover the Comedy Center. He timed his trip so that he could attend and cover the Rolling Hills December 3 show with Cosy Sheridan and the Da Vines. Neil and I made a time to hang out, talk about Rolling Hills, Garrison Keillor’s new enterprise, the state of entertainment, and life in general. Please get ahold of me with ideas about where to take Neil for lunch. THIS is what Jamestown planned for when the Comedy Center was first conceived – bringing attention, people, and art to our beloved city. The Arts can stimulate a local economy and revitalize a city. We can make this happen together!

Hey! Guess what else. We just set dates for our annual shows of the Rolling Hills Radio On-The-Road off season tour. We will be at Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater Sunday, August 4 and at theGreat Blue Heron Saturday, July 6. Mark your calendars. It doesn’t matter how far you have to travel. These shows are always magnificent in incredible venues.

See ya soon!

Yer Friend,

Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

Season nine of Rolling Hills Radio started out with arguably the most important living Americana artist of all and Ramblin’ Jack Elliot lived up to his name in every regard. He rambled a bit and we were happy to see people from Pittsburgh, Erie, and Cleveland making the trip to hear it first-hand. Now, with that momentum, we charge into Episode 80 with Jill Jack and Martin Swinger. Jill brings Detroit right to our doorstep. Nobody can deny that Detroit has been hugely influential in the American music scene. Certainly Motown, but so much more. Local low power station, WRFA, even featured Detroit music as the theme of its annual summer picnic a couple of years ago. In that city of musical greats, Jill Jack has garnered a suitcase full of Detroit-music awards, over 15 at last count. Folk, jazz, blues, songwriting – in this city with the giant footprint of Bob Seeger no matter where you go there, Jill excels. As the Detroit Free Press says, “Her voice can soar like opera and smoke like the blues … one of the strongest voices in Detroit, or in the country for that matter.“

As for Martin Swinger, when I saw he counts John Waters as one of his fans, I paid attention. And yeah, John Waters…I can see that. Martin is maybe THE most left-of-center character I have had the courage to book on this show. Singing about Betty Boop or other god-knows-what things, there’s nobody like Martin.

As for the rest of the season, I need to warn you, it is fast, furious, and packed with wonderful artists. It will go fast as we have shows much closer together than ever before. This is basically a nod to the preference of our live audiences. In the cold weather months, people have historically flocked to the show, largely because inside entertainment like RHR is what people want. No prob! We are making it happen. But just be ready, Episode 81 with Cosy Sheridan and the DaVines is just two weeks after Episode 80.

So – keep in touch and don’t forget to tell your friends to come to a show. Everyone has a good time; they will be forever in your debt!

Yer Friend,

Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

It’s the middle of a beautiful summer in Western New York State, and that means Rolling Hills Radio is on the road. Our first stop was the Great Blue Heron Festival with The Town Pants. You’ll be hearing that on the radio real soon and shortly after that the TV show will be up. You can hear and see all that on www.rollinghillsradio.org. Next up, the Amphitheater in Chautauqua Institution. The date is Sunday, August 5. The show starts at 2:30pm and admission is free! Our guests for this auspicious show are Joe Crookston and Todd Burge. There is nothing more American than a Sunday afternoon in these peaceful surroundings on the shore of Lake Chautauqua.

I can tell you a little about the upcoming 2018-2019 Rolling Hills season now, but watch here and the Facebook page to get the full story shortly. The season begins with Ramblin’ Jack Elliot at Shawbucks in Jamestown, N.Y. Monday, October 22. Other big names this coming season are Mollie O’Brien (formerly a regular on Prairie Home Companion) and the Bryan Bowers Trio. Also, Cosy Sheridan, Folkfaces, Jill Jack, Martin Swinger, Don Dixon, Jen Sygit, Jacob’s Ferry Stragglers, Aaron Lipp, Martin Swinger, and more. There are a whole lot of compelling reasons to get your season ticket now. To do that or for individual tickets, log onto www.rollinghillsradio.org OR call (716) 294-0416 starting August 1st.

Yer Friend,Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

Here we are, the end of the regular 2017-2018 season. It has been a whirlwind of great music and incredible people. I’m not only talking about the musicians, but the staff, our supporters, the community that rallied at several key points, and most of all, the audience that reliably patronizes the show. We met a lot of new RHR attenders this season, it seems like our audience keeps spreading out and growing. We are now a TV show as well as a nationally syndicated radio show.

Monday, May 21 is the day lots of people, not the least of whom is me, have been waiting for. Robin and Linda Williams are Americana royalty. I saw them when they were first starting out in the mid-70’s. There was something amazing and special about them then, right off the bat. They were captivating, hilarious, homey, and sang with flawless, distinctive harmonies. I could feel a southern breeze when they played. Time hasn’t changed a thing about their music. Their presence is just as incredible; the only difference is that now a lot more people have heard of them. They are the rare performers from whom you sense something that can only be describe as “magic.”

When I told Rolling Hills Administrative Director, Jim Goodling, that we had booked Robin and Linda, his knees buckled, his fingers quivered, his hair stood on end, his skin turned Forest Green, his car started, books began to fly around the room, and he began speaking in tongues. OK, that might have been my imagination, but seriously, he and his wife, Eileen, have driven hundreds of miles just to see Robin and Linda play one concert. All you have to do is come to Jamestown, NY for an evening with these fabulous musicians.

As for what’s coming up, the Rolling Hills fortune has never been greater. Don’t forget, RHR will record a show at the Great Blue Heron with guests The Town Pants on Saturday, July 7. Then it’s off to the Chautauqua Amphitheater with Joe Crookston and Todd Burge on Sunday, August 5 at 2:00pm. Don’t forget, free admission to the grounds and to the venue that day. Write it down and make it a plan! That will be a family day that no one will ever forget. Finally, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot is coming to Jamestown for RHR on Monday, October 22. You’ve been warned. And as long as I’m on the subject of next season, Detroit blues player, Jill Jack will be one of our guests in November. Check her out.

Get your season ticket to the 2018-2019 show May 21, as long as you’ll be there to see Robin and Linda anyway.

Yer Friend,

Ken

Ken’s review of The Life I’ve Picked – A Banjo Player’s Nitty Gritty Journey by our friend John McEuen

I forget how I learned about this book, but in a rare moment of temporal synchonicity between reality and consciousness, I found out that John McEuen’s autobiography had just hit the stands. In an equally rare moment of urgency, I stopped reading every other book I was in the middle of and hopped right into the story of John McEuen as told by John McEuen. I could not put it down and was disappointed that it was over when I finished it. I wanted to keep reading. You need to read it.

In talking about this book, it helps to place the entire tome in context: John McEuen is, in important ways, an everpresent and key figure in what we now call Americana music. Certainly one can cite his essential role in the seminal folk-rock band, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Early on, there were Poco, the Byrds and maybe others hitting the mainstream, but NGDB put it together like no one else at the time. Like all artistically successful bands, NGDB had a musical chemistry among its members that made it work, but it was McEuen himself that made them distinct, viable, and seriously legitimate. From that to his crucial role in facilitating the earth-moving Will the Circle Be Unbroken, his very musical String Wizards work, the movies, the Grammys, the relationships with important people in the business, the trip to Russia, the encouragement of other musicians, to his sisyphean pursuit of a higher-profile career in this brutal business – to know John McEuen is to know Americana music from the mid-1960’s to the present. He is that important.

It might also be important to point out here that I know John McEuen personally through Rolling Hills Radio and as a guy who played on my first album. (I have to say, being present as John played banjo and mandolin on songs I had written was a peak experience in my life so far.) But that notwithstanding, John is, indeed, a singular human being. He is a man who takes a personal interest in the people around him. I’ve been repeatedly struck with his drive to work which, together with his unfailing straightforward honesty and unusual insightfulness, makes for a relationship that I find personally rewarding and enriching. The humility you read in this book is real. Sometimes with John I find myself thinking, “Does this guy have any idea what an impact he has made on the music world?” I have come to the sincere conclusion that he does not.

This book reveals his personality with great, and I think sometimes unintended, intimacy. He is a very funny and somewhat idiosyncratic man. He is here revealed to be endearing, sweet, insightful, restless, conflicted, gregarious, driven, and generous. We read about his trials with other members of NGDB. He is prone to forgiveness but, as he makes clear in the book, not forgetfulness. We also read his stories in the book, lots and lots of stories. Stories about Johnny Cash. Earl Scruggs. John Denver. Mother Maybelle. Steve Martin. Bill Monroe. You can’t be in the business as long as this guy without meeting a lot of incredible people, and McEuen often found himself right in the middle of the action. He tells us about some of it in his unique here’s-a story-for-ya style.

McEuen’s account of being on the road touring with a high profile band gives the reader a real taste of what the life involves, and it’s my guess that it is substantially different than most fantasize. As told by our protagonist, it can be a hard, dirty, petty, sleep-deprived, tension-filled existence. Yet, as McEuen points out, few voluntarily give it up. This book lets the reader live the life vicariously – the frustration, the thrills, the goofs, and the victories. McEuen isn’t shy about saying what he went through, even if the story doesn’t go so well for him.

John McEuen is a guy who plays a variety of styles and instruments with an uncommon musicality. This book shows the personality behind this kind of talent. I’ve been around enough musicians to realize that what they say about singing is also true of playing instruments – each note reveals the musician’s character. Listen to this Banjo-Hall-of-Famer play. He is tremendously skillful, full of respect without pretension, energetic, and tasteful.

There is not a moment of boasting, grandiosity, or self-aggrandizement in this book. In fact, despite the enormity of this man’s impact on the music world, he seems to remain the eager young feller doing his magic tricks for tourists at Disneyland. He loves his work, he relishes his relationships, he appreciates his storied career, and seems to be having great fun telling people all about it.

I understand people are calling David Bromberg the Godfather of Americana music nowdays and I have no argument with that. He is courageous, amazing, historic, and awesome. But if that’s true, then John McEuen is the kind, wise-cracking, favorite uncle of the genre. He has appeared in Forrest Gumpian ways at noteworthy moments, he knows everyone, and yet remains a bit apart. “Circle” alone dragged this music into my generation’s consciousness and makes John worthy of high respect, but there’s been so much more from this man.

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,

As you may know, Rolling Hills Radio has ventured into the world of television. Local Access 5 out of Mayville, NY, began cablecasting our show last January. Shortly thereafter, Rolling Hills began cablecasting on a second access station, Spectrum channel 1301 in Jamestown, NY. And now, our reach grows with the addition of Open Stage Media in Schenectady, NY.

Open Stage Media has provided RHR with a platform in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. This family of three public access stations has become a force for the arts, as well as informational programs about government and local interest programming. Rolling Hills Radio has always advocated for electronic mediums that are independent of the mainstream, — free from commercial, corporate, political and financial agendas. Open Stage Media could not be a more perfect fit for what we do.

Open Stage Media’s “storefront” studios are part of the Proctors Theater complex, itself an astounding testimony to the power of the arts, and a shining example of how a commitment to the arts can be the catalyst for the financial, aesthetic, and growth potential of the entire Schenectady community as well as New York State’s Capital Region. We are delighted to be on their schedule. The Capital Region is home to 1.2 million potential viewers for a show which —because it originates and is produced right here in Jamestown — helps promote our hometown. You can catch the show Monday nights at 7:00 or Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 by navigating to http://openstagemedia.com/

Rolling Hills Radio relies entirely on the support of people who give tremendous energy to assure that Americana/Grassroots music reaches the listeners and viewers who love it, as well as those who are developing an appreciation for the first time. For our new connection with Open Stage Media (OSM), I want to acknowledge Philip Morris, Proctors’ visionary CEO, who has worked incredible magic in the Capital Region. We also want to recognize our own Mike Flaxman and Ed Tomassini, who initiated and guided this process the whole way.

All that said, however, Rolling Hills Radio remains a staunch advocate of live performances above any other way of enjoying music. There is nothing like being in the room with other listeners, the artists, the cameras, lights, and everything that goes with present-moment life. March’s offering will be an exceptional illustration of exactly this. The Urban Pioneers are an irresistibly lively group. They are idiosyncratic, funny, charismatic, and highly-spirited in ways that are completely contagious in person. You’ll walk out with new energy. As for Nick Vandenberg and Geoff Goodhue, our allegiance to singer-songwriters has never been better-served than by this duo. Hearing them on recordings is wonderful; being present live takes these beautiful songs to a different level, an intimacy that is hard to match on radio or TV. And of course, there’s the thrill of being part of the live studio audience.

As for what’s coming up this season, the Rolling Hills good fortune has never been greater. Todd Burge and Rachael Sage in April. ROBIN AND LINDA WILLIAMS in May. And don’t forget, RHR will record at the Great Blue Heron on Saturday, July 7. Our guests will be the Town Pants!

Yer Friend,

Ken

Dear Rolling Hills Readers,
As you may know, Rolling Hills Radio has ventured into the world of television. Local Access 5 out of Mayville, NY, began cablecasting our show last January. Shortly thereafter, Rolling Hills began cablecasting on a second access station, Spectrum channel 1301 in Jamestown, NY. And now, our reach grows with the addition of Open Stage Media in Schenectady, NY.
Open Stage Media has provided RHR with a platform in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. This family of three public access stations has become a force for the arts, as well as informational programs about government and local interest programming. Rolling Hills Radio has always advocated for electronic mediums that are independent of the mainstream, — free from commercial, corporate, political and financial agendas. Open Stage Media could not be a more perfect fit for what we do.
Open Stage Media’s “storefront” studios are part of the Proctors Theater complex, itself an astounding testimony to the power of the arts, and a shining example of how a commitment to the arts can be the catalyst for the financial, aesthetic, and growth potential of the entire Schenectady community as well as New York State’s Capital Region. We are delighted to be on their schedule. The Capital Region is home to 1.2 million potential viewers for a show which —because it originates and is produced right here in Jamestown — helps promote our hometown. You can catch the show Monday nights at 7:00 or Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 by navigating to http://openstagemedia.com/
Rolling Hills Radio relies entirely on the support of people who give tremendous energy to assure that Americana/Grassroots music reaches the listeners and viewers who love it, as well as those who are developing an appreciation for the first time. For our new connection with Open Stage Media (OSM), I want to acknowledge Philip Morris, Proctors’ visionary CEO, who has worked incredible magic in the Capital Region. We also want to recognize our own Mike Flaxman and Ed Tomassini, who initiated and guided this process the whole way.
All that said, however, Rolling Hills Radio remains a staunch advocate of live performances above any other way of enjoying music. There is nothing like being in the room with other listeners, the artists, the cameras, lights, and everything that goes with present-moment life. March’s offering will be an exceptional illustration of exactly this. The Urban Pioneers are an irresistibly lively group. They are idiosyncratic, funny, charismatic, and highly-spirited in ways that are completely contagious in person. You’ll walk out with new energy. As for Nick Vandenberg and Geoff Goodhue, our allegiance to singer-songwriters has never been better-served than by this duo. Hearing them on recordings is wonderful; being present live takes these beautiful songs to a different level, an intimacy that is hard to match on radio or TV. And of course, there’s the thrill of being part of the live studio audience.
As for what’s coming up this season, the Rolling Hills good fortune has never been greater. Todd Burge and Rachael Sage in April. ROBIN AND LINDA WILLIAMS in May. And don’t forget, RHR will record at the Great Blue Heron on Saturday, July 7. Our guests will be the Town Pants!
Yer Friend,
Ken
Dear Rolling Hills Readers,
I grew up in the 1960’s. The revolution of thought, art, values, mores, politics, style – almost no aspect of our society was spared. From the vantage point of today, it seems to have been inevitable that music was instrumental in bringing forth such positive change for kids like me. The populist music I’m talking about was on a trajectory from Woody Guthrie to Pete Seeger to Tom Paxton. I say this about Tom because Dave Von Ronk said it. Also, according to Von Ronk, “Dylan is usually cited as the founder of the new song movement, and he certainly became its most visible standard-bearer, but the person who started the whole thing was Tom Paxton.” You can read about all this elsewhere. It is now American History.
Tom Paxton fearlessly and beautifully articulated a relentless message of peace, love, and good sense. He was, and is, a true personification of the word “populist.” Of course, music as a power for social change didn’t stop with Tom Paxton, just as Tom Paxton didn’t stop tackling issues with his customary humor, pathos, and insight. He wrote “Whose Garden Was This” for the very first Earth Day. I can go on and on but this is just a newsletter, after all.
Tom Paxton’s wisdom and the sheer beauty of his music, there is nothing more American. Please join me in welcoming this great man and incredible musician. Come and see him for yourself in the intimate surroundings of Shawbucks. It will be quite a night.
As for what’s coming up this season, the Rolling Hills good fortune has never been greater. The Urban Pioneers. Vanderberg and Goodhue. Todd Burge. Rachael Sage. ROBIN AND LINDA WILLIAMS. Oooops. Sorry, not sorry about the caps lock. I shout that every time.
And don’t forget, Tom Paxton will be accompanied by Grammy winners the Don Juans. We could have done a whole show with these two guys. Maybe we will someday. Just sayin…
Yer Friend,
Ken
Dear Rolling Hills Readers,
Musicians sometimes end up at events where they are booked along with other bands or artists. Long ago, before recorded music was as readily available as it is today, these gigs were rare chances for musicians to meet or, sometimes to even hear each others’ music. I remember remarking to one of my bandmates, the ever-gregarious consummate musician-dude, Eddie Sheridan, how quickly musicians related to each other as soon as they met, how we quickly fell into conversations that were meaningful to us. Eddie Sheridan merely said, “It’s the brotherhood of musicians, Ken.” And that was that.
Truthfully, while there is certainly something to the possibility that musicians have a collective consciousness of creative sensibilities, at the same time it is demonstrably true that working musicians live in a parallel universe, a somewhat Woody Guthrie-ish existence. It’s impossible to describe to people who haven’t lived it, and it brings a little bit of a sense of relief to find others who participate in this adventure, this lifestyle that leaves us lurking around the edges of society, observing, commenting, cajoling, interpreting, and relating.
It is partially that relationship, that siblinghood of musicians, that leads Rolling Hills to present artists based on how good they are regardless of their level of fame. Once in a while, though, pretty famous people appear on our stage in spite of all this. This season it’s Tom Paxton, Rachael Sage, Robin and Linda Williams, and this guy – Joe Crookston. He came out of the gate a few years ago making a huge splash in the Americana world and his fame keeps growing.
As I write this, I haven’t met Joe Crookston but after having heard the depth and content of his songwriting, I feel like I know him, or at least can relate to some of his multi-layered vision. If you’ve taken the time to listen, I am sure you will too. There’s no doubt that he’s a songwriter’s songwriter and that he resides in the parallel dimension that musicians call home. People who have seen him live tell me his performances simply grab you by the soul and leave you a little different.
As for our Ol’ Buddy John Latini, he has dedicated his life to delivering music to the world, always on his own terms. Not only is his music superb (RHR listeners don’t need me to say that), it’s the hip Latini vibe that people draws people wherever he goes. He always been like that. I’ve known him a long long time.
Tom Paxton trivia: John Denver named his third album after one of Tom Paxton’s songs. What song was it? (Answer at the end of this letter.)
The doors for all shows open at 5:30pm for the “Happy Rolling Hour.” Not only can you hang around with and be part of the Rolling Hills community, but you can enjoy some great Shawbucks food! Recording begins at 6:30. Then join me and the artists after the show for the Meet and Greet, right in the same comfortable location. There’s no better way to spend a Monday night. Don’t forget, only Rolling Hills ticketholders attend Shawbucks on show nights. We have the whole place to ourselves!
Yer Friend,
Ken
Answer to the Tom Paxton trivia question: Whose Garden Was This?
Dear Rolling Hills Readers,
Are you looking for that unique and perfect gift for Christmas? How about
a few nights out at Rolling Hills Radio? Dinner. Friends. Drinks. A
show. And a little party after the show. All in one evening, all in the
same place. Easy and fun. Spend money on experiences, not stuff. There
are a lot of great RHR shows coming up throughout the rest of the winter
and spring.
We have two shows in January, the 15th and the 29th. We decided to give
two shows in one month a try this season because traditionally, January
has been the most popular month for our live audience attendance. It
seems that a lot of people think an evening out at a Rolling Hills show is
a wonderful winter activity.
Having Kathryn Koch back for the January 15 show is a real treat. This
will be her fourth RHR appearance. She is a musician of great versatility
and depth. We’ve had her play in several capacities, as a backup with
others as well as a solo artist. This time she is bringing Tim Pitcher
with her as we get a chance to feature her incredible voice and showcase
her fine songwriting. The last time she appeared solo on the show, an RHR
patron described her music as “folk noir.” Come and see for yourself what
that sounds like.
Then there’s our ol’ buddy, Zig Zeitler. He’s back and all set to bring
his very unique take on music, instruments, and life with him. As those
of you who saw him when he appeared on the show with his wife, Siusan
O’Rourke, some time ago, there’s kind of no telling what this guy will do.
But it will be entertaining.
You might want to think about getting tickets for the January 29 show soon
too. Americana heavyweight, Joe Crookston, appears with RHR favorite,
John Latini. Also, now’s a good time to get your tickets for Tom Paxton
on February 26. There has never been a time in America when his music has
been more relevant.
Tom Paxton trivia: What Tom Paxton song, performed by the Fireballs, went
to number 9 on the Hot 100 in 1967? (answer at the end of this letter)
The doors for all shows open at 5:30pm for the “Happy Rolling Hour.” Not
only can you hang around with and be part of the Rolling Hills community,
but you can enjoy some great Shawbucks food! Thanks to Kurt and Tammy for
making sure our audience is well-fed before the show. Recording begins
at 6:30. Then join me and the artists after the show for the Meet and
Greet, right in the same comfortable location. There’s no better way to
spend a Monday night.
Happy Holidays from the whole Rolling Hills Radio cast and crew!
Yer Friend,
Ken
answer to trivia question: Bottle of Wine
Dear Rolling Hills Readers,
As the holiday season chugs along, we’re looking ahead to a very action-packed several weeks. In the span of a month and a half we will be putting on three shows. This, of course, gives the Ol’ Kenster somewhat valid reason to bow out of some of the cooking, wrapping, and maybe even shopping duties around here. I will, however, remain obliged to do my of share eating as many holiday goodies as I can slide into the Hardley pie hole.
Which reminds me, the responsibility for documenting the comings and goings of my waistline on film lies with our exceptionally talented photographer, Lori Savaree. Together with the photogenic nature of our new venue, Shawbucks, some real works of photographic art are coming out of every show. You can see them all on our Rolling Hills Radio Facebook page, but they keep appearing elsewhere as well. Newspapers. Other FB pages. Web sites. Suffice it to say, if you see a pic of me or RHR anywhere, there is a very high probability it came from the camera of Our Ms. Savaree. Please do stop and tell her what a great job she does when you see her at the show. Maybe you can even get married so she can photograph your wedding. Just thinking out loud here…
Most of you know our Rolling Hills friend and sublime singer, Marla Harris. She contacted me with the name of, and sterling recommendation for, David Michael Miller. Marla is never wrong. Come to Shawbucks on December 18 and find out for yourself. This guy is the real blues, country, and even cajun thing. Speaking of recommendations, our favorite radio dude and former RHR announcer, Jason Sample, urged me to book the other act, Almond&Olive. There is so much to say about these two musicians, I’ll save much of it for the show. But do let me say this – RHR has had some fabulous man/woman duos; the Honey Dewdrops and Anonymous Willpower come to mind. Later this season we have the Urban Pioneers as well as Americana Royalty, ROBIN AND LINDA WILLIAMS. But first…Almond&Olive.

I am compelled to remind you that folk icon TOM
PAXTON will be here Monday, February 26. A quick TP trivia question. From what song did this phrase come? “What’s the matter with you, baaaabeeee?” (Answer at the bottom of this email.) Get your tickets now. It’s looking like this show may sell out early.
I am happy to announce our newest affiliate, Access Channel 5 broadcasting out of Mayville, NY. You can now see Rolling Hills Radio on TV! They begin broadcasting our show this week. And don’t forget, you can hear us every Friday night at 6:00pm on WRFA, 107.9, Radio for the Arts. Low Power to the People!
The doors for all shows open at 5:30pm for the “Happy Rolling Hour.” Not only can you hang around with and be part of the Rolling Hills community, but you can enjoy some great Shawbucks food! Thanks to Kurt and Tammy for making sure our audience is well-fed before the show. Recording begins at 6:30. Then join me and the artists after the show for the Meet and Greet, right in the same comfortable location. There’s no better way to spend a Monday night.

Yer Friend,
Ken

Blog

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